Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star is being repaired after shocking vandalism

Dolly Parton’s star was already due for repairs before scratches were discovered by fans mourning the icon

Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star is being repaired after it was reportedly vandalised just days after the country music legend died at 80.

The star, located on Hollywood Boulevard, was found with numerous scratches and Parton’s name appeared to have been scratched out. The damage was reported shortly after fans gathered at the landmark to honour the singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist following her death on August 25.

According to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, restoration work was already scheduled before the apparent vandalism occurred. Ana Martinez, spokesperson for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said the star had developed cracks because of ordinary wear and tear and was already due for attention.

The Hollywood Historic Trust, which maintains and repairs stars along the Walk of Fame, began work on the site this week. Martinez said the repair process involved restoring the damaged surface before allowing the material to cure and then polishing the star so fans could continue visiting the memorial.

The apparent vandalism added a disturbing moment to the outpouring of public grief surrounding Parton’s death. Her Hollywood star had quickly become a gathering point for admirers, with fans leaving flowers, handwritten messages and personal tributes at the site. NBC Los Angeles reported that the items were removed ahead of the scheduled repair work.

Parton received her star in 1985 during a dual ceremony with Sylvester Stallone. The honour came after the pair appeared together in the 1984 musical comedy Rhinestone, in which Parton played country performer Jake Farris opposite Stallone’s character, cab driver Nick Martinelli.

The Walk of Fame honour represented one part of a career that stretched across music, film and television. Parton became one of country music’s most celebrated performers while also building a significant philanthropic legacy. She earned numerous major honours during her career and was recognised with 10 Grammy Awards according to PEOPLE.

Her charitable work also became closely associated with her public identity. The Imagination Library, founded in 1995, began as an effort to provide books to children in Parton’s home region of Tennessee before expanding across the United States and other countries. The programme has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children since its creation.

Parton’s death was announced on August 25 by her nephew Bryan Seaver. Her team later confirmed that she had died following a brief battle with cancer. The news prompted tributes from fans, musicians, actors and public figures who celebrated her distinctive voice, songwriting, humour, generosity and decades of cultural influence.

As restoration continues, Parton’s star is expected to return to the Walk of Fame after the repairs and polishing are completed. The landmark will once again serve as a permanent tribute to an artist whose career reached far beyond country music and whose name became synonymous with both entertainment and philanthropy.